This year’s SuperValu TidyTowns awards for the West & North West region were presented recently, Monday 1st December 2014, at a prize-giving ceremony in the Knockranny House Hotel, Westport. SuperValu TidyTowns winners were presented with their awards by Mr. Michael Ring, T.D., Minister of State at The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and Richard Lennon, Regional Manager, SuperValu proud sponsors of the competition. Fiona Monaghan of Fáilte Ireland also joined the Minister on stage.
The overall winner for the region is Westport, Co Mayo who also took the title of Irelands Tidiest Large Town 2014. Speaking at the awards ceremony Minister Ring said: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity today to acknowledge the efforts of TidyTowns groups across this region, and to pay tribute to the very many enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who get involved in this great competition every year. The unselfish effort and the generosity displayed by these volunteers really does make a difference to our communities. The results of their hard work is evident across the region in towns and villages that are better cared for, better places to live and more attractive places to visit. I would like to pay tribute to all the other TidyTowns groups not here today who are also committed to improving their communities’ year on year and have not yet achieved formal recognition in the competition. All TidyTowns groups take pride in their communities. I’d like to congratulate Westport; the overall winner for the West & North West region as well as all of today’s other prize-winners.”
The Minister also thanked TidyTowns’ main sponsor SuperValu. “I would like to thank SuperValu for their continued sponsorship of this competition. This is SuperValu’s 23rd year of involvement in the competition at local and national level and they have helped this competition to flourish and grow and continue to demonstrate a real commitment to supporting local communities.”
Richard Lennon, SuperValu said: “At SuperValu we believe in the power of local and communities working together for the good of their local area. It is our belief in the importance of taking pride in the community we live in that originally brought SuperValu and Tidy Towns together and has continued to strengthen our partnership over the last 23 years.
Tidy Towns is a natural fit for SuperValu as our network of 223 stores form part of the fabric of towns and villages across Ireland. Our retailers take pride in their community and are committed to supporting projects that will improve their local area.
TidyTowns is a real demonstration of the work done locally by countless volunteers, who undertake to foster community spirit and help to build vibrant local communities for the present and future generations to follow.
I am delighted to congratulate all the 2014 winners. These awards are a real acknowledgement to the endearing commitment and true dedication of TidyTowns committees in the West & North West region.”
Interest in the SuperValu TidyTowns competition has been stronger than ever in recent years and for the fourth year running over 800 communities entered the competition, with 849 participating this year. The competition has been running since 1958 and is organised by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The competition has been sponsored by SuperValu since 1992.
